The overall aim of these two funds is the reduction of economic and social disparities in Europe and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the 15 beneficiary countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. Additionally, the funds aim to strengthen transnational cooperation.
Supporting transnational cooperation
The EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment will be made available to transnational projects addressing youth employment involving the beneficiary countries and Ireland, Italy and Spain. The EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation will support transnational cooperation to address European challenges across the priority sectors of the EEA and Norway Grants, in particular in the areas of knowledge sharing, policy exchange of best practice and institutional capacity-building. The Fund shall be made available to transnational projects involving beneficiary countries and the neighbouring third countries Albania, Belarus, Bosnia Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. Additionally, both funds can have project partners from the three donor countries.
Ecorys is an international company providing research, consultancy, management and communications services. The company was established in 1929, and is one of the oldest research and consulting companies in Europe. Ecorys works with clients from public, private and non-governmental sector. As the Fund Operator, Ecorys will carry out administrative and technical tasks related to the selection of projects, contract projects and perform management tasks, including payments, monitoring and control functions, during project implementation and closure.
Ecorys will be technical supported in its work by JCP Srl, Italy. JCP will contribute with its experience in monitoring and in advising and coaching supported projects.